Washington Contractor Fined for Using a Crane to Lift Workers After Elevator Breaks Down

A Seattle, Washington construction company is facing more than $150,000 in fines for putting workers at risk.

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries cited and fined Lane Construction Corporation in July for workers riding a crane lift to get in and out of a 95-foot vertical shaft at a construction site for the Seattle Public Utilities’ Ship Canal Water Quality Project.

Workers reportedly told inspectors the construction elevator that was supposed to take them in and out of the shaft broke down in January. Rather than repairing the elevator, Lane Construction management decided to provide employee access to the tunnel by using a large crane at the work location, according to L&I.

Inspectors also reportedly determined Lane Construction did not follow relevant safety requirements including the minimum 20-foot clearance distance from power lines while hoisting the workers.

Lane Construction was cited with two willful serious and two serious violations totaling $155,300 in the latest case. A willful violation is when L&I finds evidence a company knew or should have known about a hazard or a rule. A serious violation is when there is a substantial probability that worker death or serious physical harm could result from a hazardous condition.

The company is appealing the fines.

Penalties from citations go into the workers’ compensation supplemental pension fund, helping injured workers and families of those who have died on the job.

Topics Washington Contractors